A GLASGOW bus operator has halted its night services across the city and surrounding areas due to a lack of staff.

First Glasgow confirmed the suspension is due to "ongoing driver shortages", but they hope the night routes would return operative "in the near future".

The night bus service consists of 11 routes from central Glasgow to surrounding areas, covering Clydebank, Drumchapel, Faifley, Easterhouse, Wishaw, Hamilton, Motherwell, East Kilbride, Newton Mearns, Pollok and Paisley.

It operates in the early hours of Saturday and Sunday mornings.

READ MORE: Several crashes reported amid wintry driving conditions

Glasgow Times:

John Elliot, network manager for First Glasgow, told Glasgow Live: “We can confirm that night services are currently suspended across Glasgow.

“In December we were delighted to restart our weekend night bus network to support Glasgow’s night-time economy during the important festive period.

“However, we had to temporarily suspend these services following Christmas due to the ongoing driver shortages we are experiencing. We are hopeful our night services will return in the near future.”

READ MORE: Glasgow City Council bosses to consider taking over the running of buses

Glasgow Times:

The company had restarted their weekend night bus service prior to Christmas, before new restrictions were imposed amid the quick spread of Omicron.

In January, the operator had been forced to extend its festive timetable into the new year and a Saturday timetable was introduced on some services during the week, in an effort to mitigate staff absences due to Covid.